The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the education of future oil and gas professionals. This follows a productive engagement with the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, Rivers State, Dr. Victor Okolobah, on Thursday, 12 February 2026.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between industry stakeholders and tertiary institutions, emphasizing the need to equip Nigerian students with the technical expertise required to sustain and grow the nation’s energy sector.
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Sawyerr highlighted that NELFUND’s mandate ensures that no Nigerian student is denied tertiary education due to financial constraints. He noted that as indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry expands, the demand for well-trained local professionals will continue to rise.
“With the emergence of indigenous giants such as the Dangote Group and other homegrown energy players, Nigeria must deliberately invest in building a strong pipeline of skilled manpower,” Sawyerr said. “NELFUND is positioning itself as a critical enabler by supporting students in relevant disciplines across polytechnics and universities.”
Dr. Okolobah praised NELFUND’s initiatives, emphasizing that access to affordable student loans would significantly boost enrollment in specialized technical courses. He stressed that institutions like the Polytechnic play a vital role in producing mid- and high-level technical manpower for refineries, LNG plants, petrochemical facilities, and other energy infrastructure projects.
Sawyerr also linked NELFUND’s mandate to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic growth through education, innovation, and local content development. He assured that the Fund would continue deepening partnerships with industry players and educational institutions to secure a brighter future for Nigeria’s oil and gas workforce.
The engagement provided a platform to discuss the critical role of NELFUND in expanding access to higher education, particularly for students in specialized institutions such as the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas.